Accessories for Electronic User Devices Having Wireless Accessory Buses

ABSTRACT

Various embodiments concern a wireless accessory bus for a user device that enables accessories to be easily and securely attached to the user device. More specifically, the wireless accessory bus enables data to be wirelessly transmitted between the accessory and the user device when the accessory and the user device are located within close proximity to one another (e.g., when the accessory is securely attached to the wireless accessory bus). Power could also be wirelessly transferred from the user device to the accessory (or vice versa). In some embodiments, the user device includes fastening component(s) (e.g., magnets) that allow the user device and the accessory to be magnetically secured to one another. The accessory typically enables the user device to readily utilize a new functionality or an improvement to an existing functionality.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/336,657, entitled “WIRELESS ACCESSORY BUS FOR ELECTRONIC DEVICES”(Attorney Docket No. 119306-8006.US01) filed on Oct. 27, 2016, whichclaims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application62/249,130, entitled “MOBILE DEVICES AND MOBILE DEVICE ACCESSORIES”(Attorney Docket No. 119306-8001.US00) filed on Oct. 30, 2015, and U.S.Provisional Application 62/318,130, entitled “WIRELESS ACCESSORY BUS FORELECTRONIC DEVICES” (Attorney Docket No. 119306-8006.US00) filed on Apr.4, 2016.

RELATED FIELD

Various embodiments relate generally to accessory busses for electronicdevices. More specifically, various embodiments relate to accessorybusses capable of wirelessly coupling an accessory to an electronicdevice.

BACKGROUND

Many electronic devices enable users to add a new functionality orimprove an existing functionality by adding an accessory. For example,video recorders (“webcams”), input devices (e.g., mice and keyboards),and external storage can easily be connected to personal computers.These accessories are typically connected to electronic devices througha wired connection (e.g., via a Universal Serial Bus (“USB”) port) or awireless connection (e.g., via a WiFi adapter or a Bluetooth chip).

Wired connections ensure that an accessory is able to consistentlyreceive sufficient power from the electrical device. For example, anexternal storage device may be configured to transfer data and receivepower via a single wired connection with a USB port of the user device.However, wired connections may be undesirable from an aestheticperspective and are often impractical in certain situations (e.g., whenclear channels between the accessory and user device are not available).Wireless connections, meanwhile, may have poor connectivity and/orlimited bandwidth in some scenarios, which impacts a user's ability toutilize the accessory. Moreover, wireless accessories typically requirea dedicated power source that requires its own wired connection (e.g., adedicated AC/DC adapter) or must be periodically replaced (e.g., abattery).

SUMMARY

Techniques for securely attaching an accessory to a wireless accessorybus of a user device are described herein. More specifically, thewireless accessory bus enables data to be wirelessly transmitted betweenthe accessory and the user device when the accessory and the user deviceare located within close proximity to one another (e.g., when theaccessory is securely attached to the wireless accessory bus). Powercould also be wirelessly transferred from the user device to theaccessory (or vice versa). That is, the user device could serve as thepower source for the accessory.

A communication channel and/or a power transfer channel could beinitiated in response to determining the accessory has been securelyattached to the wireless accessory bus of the user device. In someembodiments, the accessory and the user device are magnetically affixedto one another. For example, both the accessory and the user device mayinclude magnets that, when aligned and placed within close proximity toone another, cause the accessory to be affixed to the user device in apredetermined orientation.

The accessory typically provides the user device with a newfunctionality or improves an existing functionality. For example, theaccessory could include a depth sensor/camera, an external storagedevice, a digital camera, an auxiliary power supply, a display, etc. Theaccessory could also be integrated into a case or cover adapted for theuser device. For example, an accessory that includes an external storagedevice could be integrated into a case for a mobile phone, therebyproviding the mobile phone with additional storage capabilities.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

One or more embodiments of the present invention are illustrated by wayof example and not limitation in the figures of the accompanyingdrawings, in which like references indicate similar elements.

FIG. 1A is a front view of a conventional user device that includes adisplay disposed in a housing that protects various components thatreside within the user device.

FIG. 1B is a bottom view of the conventional user device that depicts anaudio port and a power port.

FIG. 2 is a rear view of a user device that includes a wirelessaccessory bus capable of receiving an accessory.

FIG. 3 depicts various accessories that are attached to user devicesthat include wireless accessory busses.

FIG. 4 includes front, side, rear views of a camera accessory havingmultiple digital cameras that are capable of capturing a substantially360° field of view.

FIG. 5 is a high-level block diagram illustrating exemplary componentsof a user device and an accessory.

FIG. 6 depicts a process for manufacturing a user device that includes awireless accessory bus to which accessories can be detachably connected.

FIG. 7 depicts a process for allowing a user device to utilize a new orimproved functionality enabled by an accessory.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a processing systemin which at least some operations described herein can be implemented.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Techniques for securely attaching an accessory to a wireless accessorybus of a user device are described herein. More specifically, thewireless accessory bus enables data to be wirelessly transmitted betweenthe accessory and the user device when the accessory and the user deviceare located within close proximity to one another (e.g., when theaccessory is securely attached to the wireless accessory bus). Powercould also be wirelessly transferred from the user device to theaccessory (or vice versa).

These techniques can be used with any electronic device (also referredto herein as a “user device”) for which it is desirable to have new orimproved functionalities, such as personal computers, tablets, personaldigital assistants (PDAs), mobile phones, game consoles (e.g., SonyPlayStation or Microsoft Xbox), mobile gaming devices (e.g. Sony PSP orNintendo 3DS), music players (e.g., Apple iPod Touch), wearableelectronic devices (e.g., watches), network-connected (“smart”) devices(e.g., televisions), and other portable electronic devices.

Terminology

Brief definitions of terms, abbreviations, and phrases used throughoutthis application are given below.

Reference in this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment”means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic describedin connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodimentof the disclosure. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” invarious places in the specification are not necessarily all referring tothe same embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodimentsnecessarily mutually exclusive of other embodiments. Moreover, variousfeatures are described that may be exhibited by some embodiments and notby others. Similarly, various requirements are described that may berequirements for some embodiments and not for other embodiments.

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout thedescription and the claims, the words “comprise,” “comprising,” and thelike are to be construed in an inclusive sense, as opposed to anexclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of“including, but not limited to.” As used herein, the terms “connected,”“coupled,” or any variant thereof, means any connection or coupling,either direct or indirect, between two or more elements; the coupling ofor connection between the elements can be physical, logical, or acombination thereof. For example, two components may be coupled directlyto one another or via one or more intermediary channels or components.As another example, devices may be coupled in such a way thatinformation can be passed there between, while not sharing any physicalconnection with one another. Additionally, the words “herein,” “above,”“below,” and words of similar import, when used in this application,shall refer to this application as a whole and not to any particularportions of this application. Where the context permits, words in theDetailed Description using the singular or plural number may alsoinclude the plural or singular number respectively. The word “or,” inreference to a list of two or more items, covers all of the followinginterpretations of the word: any of the items in the list, all of theitems in the list, and any combination of the items in the list.

If the specification states a component or feature “may,” “can,”“could,” or “might” be included or have a characteristic, thatparticular component or feature is not required to be included or havethe characteristic.

The term “module” refers broadly to software, hardware, or firmwarecomponents. Modules are typically functional components that cangenerate useful data or other output using specified input(s). A modulemay or may not be self-contained. An application program (also called an“application”) may include one or more modules, or a module can includeone or more application programs.

The terminology used in the Detailed Description is intended to beinterpreted in its broadest reasonable manner, even though it is beingused in conjunction with certain examples. The terms used in thisspecification generally have their ordinary meanings in the art, withinthe context of the disclosure, and in the specific context where eachterm is used. For convenience, certain terms may be highlighted, forexample using capitalization, italics, and/or quotation marks. The useof highlighting has no influence on the scope and meaning of a term; thescope and meaning of a term is the same, in the same context, whether ornot it is highlighted. It will be appreciated that an element or featurecan be described in more than one way.

Consequently, alternative language and synonyms may be used for any oneor more of the terms discussed herein, and special significance is notto be placed on whether or not a term is elaborated or discussed herein.Synonyms for certain terms are provided. A recital of one or moresynonyms does not exclude the use of other synonyms. The use of examplesanywhere in this specification, including examples of any termsdiscussed herein, is illustrative only, and is not intended to furtherlimit the scope and meaning of the disclosure or of any exemplifiedterm. Likewise, the disclosure is not limited to the various embodimentsgiven in this specification.

System Overview

FIG. 1A is a front view of a conventional user device 100 that includesa display 102 disposed within a housing 106 that protects variouscomponents (e.g., sensors, connectors, power supply) that reside withinthe user device 100. The housing 106 is typically composed of aprotective substrate, such as metal or plastic. In some embodiments, thedisplay 102 is touch sensitive and is configured to generate signalsresponsive to a user contacting the outer surface of the display 102.

The user device could include other features as well, such as a cameraand a touch-sensitive button that are offset from the display 102. Thecamera and/or touch-sensitive button may be located within an opaqueborder that surrounds the display 102 and is not responsive to userinteractions (i.e., is not touch sensitive). The opaque border is oftenused to hide the various components that reside within the user device100.

FIG. 1B is a bottom view of the conventional user device 100 thatdepicts an audio port 106 and a power port 108. The audio port 106 (alsoreferred to as an “audio jack”) is a receptacle or jack that can be usedto transmit analog signals, such as audio. More specifically, the audioport 106 typically includes two, three, or four contacts that enableaudio signals to be readily transmitted when an appropriate plug isinserted into the audio port 106. For example, most speakers andheadphones include a plug designed for a 3.5 mm audio jack.

The power port 108 (also referred to as a “power jack”) enables the userdevice 100 to be physically connected directly to a power source. Forexample, the power port 108 could be capable of interfacing with amicro-USB adapter, a 30-pin adapter, or a proprietary bus (e.g., AppleLightning). Together, the audio port 106 and power port 108 can enableaccessories (e.g., headphones, storage devices) to be fastened directlyto the conventional user device 100. However, as noted above, physical(i.e., “wired”) connections are often undesirable for both aesthetic andfunctional reasons.

Although FIGS. 1A-B include an illustration of a mobile phone, thetechniques described herein can also be used with other electronicdevices for which it is desirable to eliminate physical ports fortransferring data and/or power. For example, the same techniques couldbe utilized with personal computers, tablets, personal digitalassistants (PDAs), mobile phones, game consoles (e.g., Sony PlayStationor Microsoft Xbox), mobile gaming devices (e.g. Sony PSP or Nintendo3DS), music players (e.g., Apple iPod Touch), wearable electronicdevices (e.g., watches), network-connected (“smart”) devices (e.g.,televisions), and other portable electronic devices.

FIG. 2 is a rear view of a user device 200 that includes a wirelessaccessory bus 202 capable of receiving an accessory. The wirelessaccessory bus 202 enables data and/or power to be wirelessly transferredfrom the user device 200 to the accessory (or vice versa) when the userdevice 200 and the accessory are within close proximity to one another.For example, a bi-directional communication channel may be establishedwhen the accessory is securely attached to the wireless accessory bus202.

As shown in FIG. 2, the term “wireless accessory bus” refers generallyto an area of the user device 200 that is configured to securely receivean accessory. The wireless accessory bus 202 can include one or morepower transmitters 204, one or more wireless transceivers 206, and/orone or more magnets 208 (collectively referred to as the “buscomponents”).

Some of these bus components could be at least partially exposed. Forexample, the magnet(s) 208 may be exposed through opening(s) in thehousing 212. Additionally or alternatively, some of these bus componentscould be secured within the housing 212. In such embodiments, the buscomponents may be selected in order to compensate for signal degradationthat occurs as the data signals and/or power signals traverse throughthe housing 212 or a substrate laid within a break 210 in the housing212. The substrate may be an optically-clear substrate, such as glass orplastic.

The power transmitter(s) 204 are configured to transfer power from apower supply (e.g., a battery) retained within the housing 212 to anaccessory via a wired or wireless electrical coupling. For example, thepower transmitter(s) 204 may include one or more electrical contacts(e.g., pin terminals) that are able to physically contact one or moreelectrical contacts of the accessory. As another example, the powertransmitter(s) 204 may include integrated circuits (“chips”) that areable to wirelessly transmit power from the user device to the accessory.The wireless power transmitter(s) 204 may be configured to transmitpower in accordance with the Qi standard developed by the Wireless PowerConsortium or some other wireless power standard.

The wireless transceiver(s) 206 are communicatively coupled to one ormore wireless transceivers of the accessory. For the purposes ofillustration and simplification, the term “wireless transceiver” isintended to cover components able to transmit data, receive data, orboth. Moreover, a single wireless transceiver could include distinctcomponents responsible for transmitting and receiving data signals.

Upon determining an accessory has been securely attached to the wirelessaccessory bus 202, the wireless transceiver(s) 206 may be configured toautomatically initiate a connection with the wireless transceiver(s) ofthe accessory. For example, if the accessory includes multiple digitalcameras, image data may be received by the wireless transceiver(s) 206from the accessory. In some embodiments, an application associated withthe accessory could also be downloaded from a network-accessibleenvironment (e.g., a digital distribution platform such as a website oran app store) and/or launched in response to determining the accessoryhas been securely attached to the wireless accessory bus 202.

Oftentimes, the wireless accessory bus 202 includes a fasteningcomponent that enables the accessory to be securely attached to the userdevice 200. Here, for example, magnet(s) 208 are arranged around thewireless accessory bus 202 so that the accessory is in a predeterminedorientation when attached to the user device 200. However, othermaterials and components could also be used. For example, a magneticfilm could be deposited on an outer or inner surface of the housing 212or a mechanical track, clips, etc., could be affixed to the housing 212.The predetermined orientation may cause a wireless transmitter of theaccessory to be aligned with, or disposed in close proximity to, thewireless transceiver(s) 206 of the user device 200.

The housing 212 also typically includes one or more breaks 210. Thesebreak(s) 210 may be necessary for permitting antenna(s) within thehousing to send and receive signals or could be for stylistic/aestheticpurposes. These break(s) 210 typically include a substrate layercomprised of a non-metal material, such as glass or plastic, that allowssignals to more readily pass through.

As shown in FIG. 2, the wireless accessory bus 202 could be positionedin or around one of the break(s) 210. In such embodiments, one or morelight emitting diodes (LEDs) 214 may be disposed underneath thesubstrate layer and configured to convey information about the userdevice 200 and/or the accessory. For example, the LEDs 214 couldilluminate when the accessory is brought near the user device 200,thereby indicating where the accessory should be attached. As anotherexample, the LEDs 214 may be able to convey operational information,such as whether the accessory is receiving sufficient power, is able totransfer data signals to the user device, is currently available foruse, etc.

FIG. 3 depicts various accessories 302 a-c that are attached to userdevices 300 a-c that include wireless accessory busses. The accessories302 a-c are normally designed so that each accessory can be easilyattached to and removed from the wireless accessory bus withoutmodification. Moreover, a user device is normally configured toautomatically establish a communication channel between the user deviceand the accessory and automatically begin transferring power to theaccessory. Consequently, the accessory may be usable immediately or soonafter attachment to the wireless accessory bus of the user device.

As described above, the accessory, the user device, or both couldinclude fastening components (e.g., magnets or mechanical connectors)that allow the accessory and the user device to be securely anddetachably connected to one another. Said another way, the accessory andthe user device may be capable of being readily and repeatedly attachedand detached from one another. Consequently, a user could elect toquickly utilize a series of accessories in succession by a single userdevice.

In some embodiments, an application associated with an accessory isinitiated in response to determining the accessory has been attached tothe wireless accessory bus of the user device. For example, attachingaccessory 302 a (a 360° camera) or accessory 302 c (a multi-LEDillumination source) may prompt a camera application to be invoked,while attaching accessory 302 b (an external storage device) may prompta data storage application to be invoked.

FIG. 4 includes front, side, rear views of a camera accessory 400 havingmultiple digital cameras 410 a-b that are capable of capturing asubstantially 360° field of view. The camera accessory 400 can includeone or more digital cameras that are configured to capture an image andare secured within a housing 402. Images captured by the digitalcamera(s) typically have different characteristics than those capturedby the camera of the user device. For example, the images may have ahigher resolution, be 3D/stereoscopic in nature, etc. Here, forinstance, multiple digital cameras 410 a-b are arranged to capture animage having a substantially 360° field of view (“FOV”).

In some embodiments, the camera accessory 400 also includes an imageprocessing module that is able to analyze and process the image dataprior to transmission to the user device. For example, the imageprocessing module may be configured to stitch images together taken bymultiple distinct cameras. Alternatively, unprocessed image data couldbe transmitted directly to the user device for processing.

The camera accessory 400 can also include one or more power receivers404, one or more wireless transceivers 406, and one or more magnets 408(collectively referred to as the “accessory components”). Some of theseaccessory components could be at least partially exposed. For example,the magnet(s) 408 may be exposed through opening(s) in the housing 402.Additionally or alternatively, some of these accessory components couldbe secured within the housing 402.

The power receiver(s) 404 can be configured to receive power that istransferred by a source external from the accessory, such as the userdevice. As described above, the power can be transferred via a physicalconnection (e.g., by a physical coupling of electrical contacts) or awireless connection (e.g., by a power transmitter chip). The wirelesstransceiver(s) 406 are operable to transmit data signals to wirelesstransceiver(s) of the user device. The magnet(s) 408, meanwhile, enablethe camera accessory 400 to be securely attached to a wireless accessorybus of a user device. Oftentimes, the user device will include magnet(s)that are positioned in a similar arrangement so that as the cameraaccessory 400 and user device are drawn toward one another when locatedwithin a close proximity.

Note that the camera accessory 400 is simply one example of an accessorythat could be attached to a user device. Other accessories could includea depth sensor/camera, an external storage device, an auxiliary powersupply, an infrared sensor/camera, a laser rangefinder, astructured-light three-dimensional (3D) scanner, a memory card reader,an audio output device (e.g., speaker, headphones), or a supplementaldisplay (e.g., an electronic ink display or LCD display). One skilled inthe art will recognize that many other accessories offering differentfunctionalities could also utilize the technology described herein.

FIG. 5 is a high-level block diagram illustrating exemplary componentsof a user device 500 and an accessory 550. Various embodiments of theuser device 500 and the accessory 550 can include some or all of thesecomponents, as well as additional components not illustrated here.

The user device 500 can include one or more processors 504, a wirelesstransceiver 506, a power transmitter 508, a power receiver 510, adisplay 512, a memory 514, and/or a power supply 516 electricallycoupled to a power interface 518. These components can be retainedwithin a housing 502 that includes one or more magnets 520 arranged tosecurely receive the accessory 550. The wireless transceiver 506 can beconfigured to automatically establish a wireless connection with thewireless transceiver 556 of the accessory 550. The wireless transceivers506, 556 allow data to be transmitted between the accessory 550 and theuser device 500. More specifically, the wireless transceiver(s) 506, 556may communicate with one another using a bi-directional communicationprotocol, such as Near Field Communication (NFC), wireless UniversalSerial Bus (USB), Bluetooth, WiFi, a cellular data protocol (e.g., 3G or4G), or a proprietary point-to-point protocol.

In some embodiments, the accessory 550 does not include a dedicatedpower source, and thus must receive power from the user device 500. Thepower transmitter 508 may be configured to transfer power from the powersupply 516 of the user device 500 to the accessory 550. For example, thepower transmitter 508 of the user device and the power receiver 558 ofthe accessory 550 may be electrically coupled to one another via aphysical connection (e.g., by electrical contacts) or a wirelessconnection (e.g., by power transmitter chips).

The accessory 550 could also include an auxiliary power supply 560 and apower transmitter 562 that allow the accessory to serve as asupplemental power source for the user device 500. In such embodiments,the user device includes a power receiver 510 that is able to receivepower (e.g., wirelessly or via electrical contacts) from the accessory550. Oftentimes, the user device 500 will include a display 510, amemory 514, and a power supply 516 that is electrically coupled to apower interface 518 (e.g., a physical power port or a Qi-compliantwireless receiver). The memory 514 can include, for example, anoperating system executed by the user device 500 and one or moreapplications that are associated with various accessories. The userdevice 500 may be configured to invoke a particular application upondetermining the corresponding accessory has been attached to thewireless accessory bus. The power supply 516, meanwhile, may include arechargeable lithium-ion (Li-Ion) battery, a rechargeable nickel-metalhydride (NiMH) battery, a rechargeable nickel-cadmium (NiCad) battery,or any other power source suitable for electronic user devices.

In some embodiments, the wireless accessory bus is designed so thatmultiple accessories can simultaneously be attached to, and used by, theuser device 500. For example, a user may elect to concurrently utilizecamera accessory 302 a and external storage accessory 302 b of FIG. 3.In such embodiments, the magnet(s) 520 and/or wireless transceiver 506may be arranged so that multiple accessories can be utilized withoutdamaging throughput or performance.

The accessory 550 can include one or more processors 554, a wirelesstransceiver 556, a power receiver 558, an auxiliary power supply 560, apower transmitter 562, a memory 564, one or more digital cameras 566, animage processing module 568, and/or a display 570. These components canbe retained within a housing 552 that includes one or more magnets 572arranged so as to enable the accessory 550 to be securely attached tothe electronic device 500.

As noted above, various embodiments of the accessory 550 can includesome or all of these components, as well as other additional componentsnot illustrated here. For example, an accessory intended to serve as asupplemental display to the user device 500 may include processor(s)554, a wireless transceiver 556, a power receiver 558, a memory 564, anda display 570. As another example, an accessory designed to captureimages may include processor(s) 554, a wireless transceiver 556, a powerreceiver 558, a memory 564, digital camera(s) 566, and an imageprocessing module 568.

Note that in some embodiments the accessory 550 (or some subset of itscomponents) could be integrated into a case, cover, or clip designed forthe user device. That is, cases, covers, clips, etc., may be designed tomake use of the wireless accessory bus when affixed to the user device500. For example, an auxiliary power supply 560 or additional memory 564could be integrated into a case for a mobile phone. The auxiliary powersupply 560 and/or additional memory 564 may be usable by the mobilephone so long as the mobile phone remains within the case.

FIG. 6 depicts a process 600 for manufacturing a user device thatincludes a wireless accessory bus to which accessories can be detachablyconnected. A housing is initially received (e.g., by a manufacturer)that is designed to protect various components (e.g., sensors,connectors, power supply) that reside within the user device (step 601).In some embodiments, a break is created in the housing (step 602). Thebreak may be necessary for permitting antenna(s) within the housing tosend and receive signals or could be for stylistic/aesthetic purposes.

Fastening components can then be affixed to the housing. For example, insome embodiments one or more magnets are secured to the inner surface ofthe housing near the break (step 603). The magnet(s) permit accessoriesto be securely attached to the housing without requiring mechanicalclips or connectors. Additionally or alternatively, a magnetic filmcould be deposited along the outer or inner surface of the housing. Theuser device can also be designed so that a power transmitter and/or awireless transceiver are disposed in or near the break (step 604). Asshown in FIG. 2, the fastening component(s) (e.g., magnets), powertransmitter, and/or wireless transceiver collectively form a wirelessaccessory bus to which accessories can be magnetically, electrically,and/or communicatively coupled.

The user device, which includes a wireless accessory bus, can then beassembled and provided to a user (step 605). The wireless accessory buspermits the user to readily and repeatedly attach and detach the userdevice from accessories (step 606). For example, as the user brings anaccessory and the user device within a close proximity to one another,the magnet(s) secured to the inner surface of the housing maymagnetically draw the accessory toward the wireless accessory bus. Whenthe accessory is attached to the user device, the user device mayautomatically allow the user to utilize a new or improved functionalityenabled by the accessory (step 607). For example, the user device may beable to capture an image using a camera accessory or project audio usinga speaker accessory without requiring modification/installation of anyhardware or software.

FIG. 7 depicts a process 700 for allowing a user device to utilize a newor improved functionality enabled by an accessory. A user initiallyacquires a user device that includes a wireless accessory bus (step701). The user device could be, for example, user device 200 of FIG. 2or any other suitable electronic device. The wireless accessory busenables the user to attach an accessory to the user device (step 702).The accessory and the user device could be magnetically adhered orphysically coupled (e.g., via clips, connectors, or a mechanical track)to one another.

Typically, the user device continually monitors whether an accessory hasbeen attached to the wireless accessory bus (step 703). For example, aprocessor within the user device may be configured to detect when anaccessory is placed on or near the wireless accessory bus. Morespecifically, a wireless transceiver within the user device may be ableto detect when another wireless transceiver comes within a certainproximity, thereby indicating the presence of an accessory. When anaccessory is attached to the wireless accessory bus, the user device canelectrically couple the power supply of the user device to a powerreceiver of the accessory (step 704). For example, the power supply ofthe user device may be coupled to a power transmitter that is configuredto wirelessly transfer power to the power receiver of the accessory.

The user device may also be configured to communicatively couple awireless transceiver of the user device to a wireless transceiver of theaccessory (step 705). The wireless transceivers can permit the userdevice and the accessory to communicate with one another without aphysical connection between the two components. After initiating acommunication channel between the user device and the accessory, theuser device can allow the user device to utilize a new or improvedfunctionality enabled by the accessory (step 706). In some embodiments,this is done automatically without requiring further user input. Thatis, the user may be able to utilize the accessory without manuallyconnecting/modifying physical components or installing appropriatesoftware. For example, the user device may automatically recognize andutilize additional memory provided by an external storage accessory.

Unless contrary to physical possibility, it is envisioned that the stepsdescribed above may be performed in various sequences and combinations.For instance, the user device may not need to form an electricalcoupling with the accessory if the accessory includes its own power.Other steps could also be included in some embodiments. For example, theuser device may automatically initiate an application associated withthe accessory attached to the wireless accessory bus. More specifically,when a camera accessory (e.g., camera accessory 400 of FIG. 4) isattached the user device, the user device (and, more specifically, anoperating system executed by the user device) may invoke and execute acamera application and/or an image processing application.

Processing System

FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a processing system800 in which at least some operations described herein can beimplemented. The computing system may include one or more centralprocessing units (“processors”) 802, main memory 806, non-volatilememory 810, network adapter 812 (e.g., network interfaces), videodisplay 818, input/output devices 820, control device 822 (e.g.,keyboard and pointing devices), drive unit 824 including a storagemedium 826, and signal generation device 830 that are communicativelyconnected to a bus 816. The bus 816 is illustrated as an abstractionthat represents any one or more separate physical buses, point to pointconnections, or both connected by appropriate bridges, adapters, orcontrollers. The bus 816, therefore, can include, for example, a systembus, a Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus or PCI-Express bus, aHyperTransport or industry standard architecture (ISA) bus, a smallcomputer system interface (SCSI) bus, a universal serial bus (USB), IIC(I2C) bus, or an Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers(IEEE) standard 1394 bus, also called “Firewire.”

In various embodiments, the processing system 800 operates as part of auser device (e.g., user device 200 of FIG. 2), although the processingsystem 800 may be connected (e.g., wired or wirelessly) to the userdevice. In a networked deployment, the processing system 800 may operatein the capacity of a server or a client machine in a client-servernetwork environment, or as a peer machine in a peer-to-peer (ordistributed) network environment.

The processing system 800 may be a server computer, a client computer, apersonal computer (PC), a tablet PC, a laptop computer, a personaldigital assistant (PDA), a mobile telephone, an iPhone®, an iPad®, aBlackberry®, a processor, a telephone, a web appliance, a networkrouter, switch or bridge, a console, a hand-held console, a gamingdevice, a music player, or any portable, device or any machine capableof executing a set of instructions (sequential or otherwise) thatspecify actions to be taken by the processing system.

While the main memory 806, non-volatile memory 810, and storage medium826 (also called a “machine-readable medium) are shown to be a singlemedium, the term “machine-readable medium” and “storage medium” shouldbe taken to include a single medium or multiple media (e.g., acentralized or distributed database, and/or associated caches andservers) that store one or more sets of instructions 828. The term“machine-readable medium” and “storage medium” shall also be taken toinclude any medium that is capable of storing, encoding, or carrying aset of instructions for execution by the computing system and that causethe computing system to perform any one or more of the methodologies ofthe presently disclosed embodiments.

In general, the routines executed to implement the embodiments of thedisclosure, may be implemented as part of an operating system or aspecific application, component, program, object, module or sequence ofinstructions referred to as “computer programs.” The computer programstypically comprise one or more instructions (e.g., instructions 804,808, 828) set at various times in various memory and storage devices ina computer, and that, when read and executed by one or more processingunits or processors 802, cause the processing system 800 to performoperations to execute elements involving the various aspects of thedisclosure.

Moreover, while embodiments have been described in the context of fullyfunctioning computers and computer systems, those skilled in the artwill appreciate that the various embodiments are capable of beingdistributed as a program product in a variety of forms, and that thedisclosure applies equally regardless of the particular type of machineor computer-readable media used to actually effect the distribution.

Further examples of machine-readable storage media, machine-readablemedia, or computer-readable (storage) media include, but are not limitedto, recordable type media such as volatile and non-volatile memorydevices 810, floppy and other removable disks, hard disk drives, opticaldisks (e.g., Compact Disk Read-Only Memory (CD ROMS), Digital VersatileDisks (DVDs)), and transmission type media, such as digital and analogcommunication links.

The network adapter 812 enables the processing system 800 to mediatedata in a network 814 with an entity that is external to the processingsystem 800 through any known and/or convenient communications protocolsupported by the processing system 800 and the external entity. Thenetwork adapter 812 can include one or more of a network adaptor card, awireless network interface card, a router, an access point, a wirelessrouter, a switch, a multilayer switch, a protocol converter, a gateway,a bridge, bridge router, a hub, a digital media receiver, and/or arepeater.

The network adapter 812 can include a firewall which can, in someembodiments, govern and/or manage permission to access/proxy data in acomputer network, and track varying levels of trust between differentmachines and/or applications. The firewall can be any number of moduleshaving any combination of hardware and/or software components able toenforce a predetermined set of access rights between a particular set ofmachines and applications, machines and machines, and/or applicationsand applications, for example, to regulate the flow of traffic andresource sharing between these varying entities. The firewall mayadditionally manage and/or have access to an access control list whichdetails permissions including for example, the access and operationrights of an object by an individual, a machine, and/or an application,and the circumstances under which the permission rights stand.

As indicated above, the techniques introduced here implemented by, forexample, programmable circuitry (e.g., one or more microprocessors),programmed with software and/or firmware, entirely in special-purposehardwired (i.e., non-programmable) circuitry, or in a combination orsuch forms. Special-purpose circuitry can be in the form of, forexample, one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs),programmable logic devices (PLDs), field-programmable gate arrays(FPGAs), etc.

Remarks

The foregoing description of various embodiments has been provided forthe purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to beexhaustive or to limit the claimed subject matter to the precise formsdisclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to oneskilled in the art. Embodiments were chosen and described in order tobest describe the principles of the invention and its practicalapplications, thereby enabling others skilled in the relevant art tounderstand the claimed subject matter, the various embodiments, and thevarious modifications that are suited to the particular usescontemplated.

Although the above Detailed Description describes certain embodimentsand the best mode contemplated, no matter how detailed the above appearsin text, the embodiments can be practiced in many ways. Details of thesystems and methods may vary considerably in their implementationdetails, while still being encompassed by the specification. As notedabove, particular terminology used when describing certain features oraspects of various embodiments should not be taken to imply that theterminology is being redefined herein to be restricted to any specificcharacteristics, features, or aspects of the invention with which thatterminology is associated. In general, the terms used in the followingclaims should not be construed to limit the invention to the specificembodiments disclosed in the specification, unless those terms areexplicitly defined herein. Accordingly, the actual scope of theinvention encompasses not only the disclosed embodiments, but also allequivalent ways of practicing or implementing the embodiments under theclaims.

The language used in the specification has been principally selected forreadability and instructional purposes, and it may not have beenselected to delineate or circumscribe the inventive subject matter. Itis therefore intended that the scope of the invention be limited not bythis Detailed Description, but rather by any claims that issue on anapplication based hereon. Accordingly, the disclosure of variousembodiments is intended to be illustrative, but not limiting, of thescope of the embodiments, which is set forth in the following claims.

1. A camera accessory for an electronic user device, the cameraaccessory comprising: a housing that includes a wireless accessory bus;one or more magnets disposed within the housing, wherein the one or moremagnets maintain the camera accessory in a predetermined orientationrelative to a corresponding wireless accessory bus of the electronicuser device; multiple digital cameras that each have a field of view,wherein the multiple digital cameras are arranged so that the multiplefields of view form a 360° field of view of an ambient environment; amemory configured to store image data generated by the multiple digitalcameras; and a wireless electromagnetic transceiver disposed within thehousing that effects a bi-directional exchange of information with theelectronic user device via electromagnetic waves when the wirelessaccessory bus is positioned proximate to the corresponding wirelessaccessory bus of the electronic user device.
 2. The camera accessory ofclaim 1, wherein the one or more magnets cause the housing of the cameraaccessory and a housing of the electronic user device to be secureddirectly adjacent to one another without any intervening space.
 3. Thecamera accessory of claim 1, further comprising: a power receiver thatwirelessly receives power from the electronic user device when thewireless accessory bus is positioned proximate to the correspondingwireless accessory bus of the electronic user device.
 4. The cameraaccessory of claim 1, further comprising: an electrical contact thatextends through the housing, wherein the electrical contact receivespower from the electronic user device upon initiating and maintaining aphysical connection with a corresponding electrical contact of theelectronic user device.
 5. The camera accessory of claim 1, wherein thebi-directional exchange is accomplished using any of a Near FieldCommunication (NFC) protocol, a wireless Universal Serial Bus (USB)protocol, a Bluetooth protocol, a WiFi protocol, a cellular datacommunication protocol, and a proprietary point-to-point protocol. 6.The camera accessory of claim 1, wherein the wireless accessory bus isdisposed within a break in the housing, and wherein the break includes aprotective substrate comprised of a non-metal material.
 7. The cameraaccessory of claim 1, further comprising: an image processing moduleconfigured to process the image data generated by the multiple digitalcameras and stored within the memory; and a processor that is coupled tothe memory.
 8. The camera accessory of claim 7, wherein the processor isconfigured to: determine whether a camera application is stored in amemory of the electronic user device; if the camera application is notin the memory, prompt the electronic user device to initiate a downloadof the camera application from a network-accessible digital distributionplatform; and cause the electronic user device to initiate the cameraapplication in response to determining that the wireless accessory busis positioned proximate to the corresponding wireless accessory bus ofthe electronic user device; and if the camera application is in thememory, cause the electronic user device to initiate the cameraapplication in response to determining that the wireless accessory busis positioned proximate to the corresponding wireless accessory bus ofthe electronic user device.
 9. A storage accessory for an electronicuser device, the storage accessory comprising: a housing that includes awireless accessory bus; one or more magnets disposed within the housing,wherein the one or more magnets maintain the storage accessory in apredetermined orientation relative to a corresponding wireless accessorybus of the electronic user device; a memory accessible to an operatingsystem executed by the electronic user device when the wirelessaccessory bus is positioned proximate to the corresponding wirelessaccessory bus of the electronic user device; a wireless electromagnetictransceiver disposed within the housing that effects a bi-directionalexchange of information with the electronic user device viaelectromagnetic waves when the wireless accessory bus is positionedproximate to the corresponding wireless accessory bus of the electronicuser device; and an electrical contact that receives power from theelectronic user device upon initiating and maintaining a physicalconnection with a corresponding electrical contact of the electronicuser device.
 10. The storage accessory of claim 9, further comprising: aprocessor that is coupled to the memory.
 11. The storage accessory ofclaim 10, wherein the processor is configured to: determine whether adata storage application is stored in a memory of the electronic userdevice; if the data storage application is not in the memory, prompt theelectronic user device to initiate a download of the data storageapplication from a network-accessible digital distribution platform; andcause the electronic user device to initiate the data storageapplication in response to determining that the wireless accessory busis positioned proximate to the corresponding wireless accessory bus ofthe electronic user device; and if the data storage application is inthe memory, cause the electronic user device to initiate the datastorage application in response to determining that the wirelessaccessory bus is positioned proximate to the corresponding wirelessaccessory bus of the electronic user device.
 12. The storage accessoryof claim 9, wherein the processor is configured to: detect that theelectrical contact has initiated the physical connection with thecorresponding electrical contact of the electronic user device; andprompt the electronic user device to begin transferring power to thestorage accessory via the electrical contact.
 13. The storage accessoryof claim 12, wherein the processor is further configured to:automatically establish a wireless communication channel between thememory and the operating system executed by the electronic user devicein accordance with a bi-directional communication protocol.
 14. Thestorage accessory of claim 13, wherein the bi-directional communicationprotocol is selected from any of a Near Field Communication (NFC)protocol, a wireless Universal Serial Bus (USB) protocol, a Bluetoothprotocol, a WiFi protocol, a cellular data communication protocol, or aproprietary point-to-point protocol.
 15. A power accessory for anelectronic user device, the power accessory comprising: a housing thatincludes a wireless accessory bus; one or more magnets disposed withinthe housing, wherein the one or more magnets maintain the poweraccessory in a predetermined orientation relative to a correspondingwireless accessory bus of the electronic user device; an auxiliary powersupply; and a power transmitter configured to: form an electricalcoupling between the auxiliary power supply and the electronic userdevice, and automatically transfer power stored in the auxiliary powersupply to the electronic user device in response to determining that thewireless accessory bus is positioned proximate to the correspondingwireless accessory bus of the electronic user device and the electronicuser device is at less than full power.
 16. The power accessory of claim15, further comprising: a wireless electromagnetic transceiver disposedwithin the housing that effects a bi-directional exchange of informationwith the electronic user device via electromagnetic waves when thewireless accessory bus is positioned proximate to the correspondingwireless accessory bus of the electronic user device.
 17. The poweraccessory of claim 15, wherein the electrical coupling is a wirelesselectrical coupling formed without a physical coupling of electricalcontacts.
 18. The power accessory of claim 15, wherein the electricalcoupling is a wired electrical coupling formed by a physical connectionbetween an electrical contact that extends through the housing and acorresponding electrical contact of the electronic user device.
 19. Thepower accessory of claim 15, wherein the auxiliary power supply is anyof a rechargeable lithium-ion (Li-Ion) battery, a rechargeablenickel-metal hydride (NiMH) battery, or a rechargeable nickel-cadmium(NiCad) battery.
 20. The power accessory of claim 15, furthercomprising: a mechanical power interface that enables the auxiliarypower supply to be recharged.
 21. The power accessory of claim 20,wherein power transmitter includes an electrical contact that acts asthe mechanical power interface.
 22. A display accessory for anelectronic user device, the display accessory comprising: a housing thatincludes a wireless accessory bus; one or more magnets disposed withinthe housing, wherein the one or more magnets maintain the displayaccessory in a predetermined orientation relative to a correspondingwireless accessory bus of the electronic user device; a wirelesselectromagnetic transceiver disposed within the housing that effects abi-directional exchange of information with the electronic user devicevia electromagnetic waves when the wireless accessory bus is positionedproximate to the corresponding wireless accessory bus of the electronicuser device; a display; and a processor configured to: cause the displayto show content based on signals received at the wirelesselectromagnetic transceiver from the electronic user device, and modifythe content in response to receiving an indication of a user interactionwith the electronic user device.
 23. The display accessory of claim 22,further comprising: an electrical contact that receives power from theelectronic user device upon initiating and maintaining a physicalconnection with a corresponding electrical contact of the electronicuser device.
 24. The display accessory of claim 22, further comprising:a memory configured to store executable instructions, wherein the memoryis accessible to an operating system executed by the electronic userdevice when the wireless accessory bus is positioned proximate to thecorresponding wireless accessory bus of the electronic user device. 25.The display accessory of claim 24, wherein at least some of the contentis stored in the memory.
 26. The display accessory of claim 22, whereinat least some of the content is stored in a memory of the electronicuser device.
 27. The display accessory of claim 22, wherein the displayis an electronic ink display, a liquid crystal display (LCD), or alight-emitting diode (LED) display.